In an open letter, a former Secretary of Defense questions Dukakis' grasp of national security

James Schlesinger has dealt with national security for every President since Dwight Eisenhower. He was CIA director and Secretary of Defense in the Nixon and Ford Administrations, then Energy Secretary for Jimmy Carter.

DEAR GOVERNOR DUKAKIS:

While congratulating you on your nomination, many of us who have worked for the nation's security in Democratic and Republican Administrations feel trepidation about your views -- and, more important, your instincts -- on crucial defense issues. All that we have to go on are your actions as Governor and your statements in the campaign.